“Especially in present times, characterized by neo-populist and anti-immigration propaganda, VAI project could offer an opportunity to inform the population about the opportunities and benefits of solidarity action addressing migration issues, of civic participation and activism involving migrants.”
Alessandra Corrado, Università della Calabria
Corrado | 04/07/18 | english version |02:48min
Corrado | 04/07/18 | italian version |03:43min
Written Version
The University
The University of Calabria is a relatively young university. Based in South of Italy, it was created in the early ‘70s with the idea of supporting the development of the region. In fact, Calabria is one of the poorest regions in Italy and in Europe. It has known important emigration processes. And since the 80s-90s the arrival of immigrants and refugees has become quite important too.
The Department of Political and Social Sciences, that is partner in the VAI project, has a long experience of study and research about migration issues, in the historical, social and political perspectives. It carries out researches on migrant labor in agriculture, on gender issues, refuges and asylum seekers, reception programs, housing and integration policies.
Our role in the VAI project
The University of Calabria is leader of the work package concerning the research activity on migrations and volunteering in the four countries in the project: Italy, Greece, Austria and Germany. All research partners, after having analyzed and composed a general framework about migrations, in a historical, political and social perspectives, have carried out a primary research on migrations and volunteering by an online survey at national level, administrating individual interviews and organizing focus groups with different stakeholders (volunteers, referents of civil society organizations, local administrators, experts…). The objective is to know more about individual motivations, problems or benefits for local communities.
Our expectations
Especially in present times, characterized by neo-populist and anti-migration propaganda, at national as well as at European level, VAI project could offer an important opportunity to inform the population and the stakeholders concerned about the opportunities and the benefits of solidarity action addressing migration issues, of civic participation and activism involving migrants, but discouraging the idea of voluntary activities by migrants or refugees as unpaid work that has to be devolved to the host society.
Contact Details
Alessandra Corrado
Universita della Calabria
Via Pietro Bucci 7/11/B,
Arcavacata di Rende 87036, Italy
Visit the website of Università della Calabria